What epilepsy really is (and what it isn’t)

For a long time, seizures were linked to superstition, possession, or mental illness, and those ideas haven’t fully disappeared. Even today, many people think epilepsy affects intelligence or behavior, which simply isn’t true. It’s a neurological condition, not a mental one, but that distinction often gets lost.
Another big reason is how seizures are portrayed. In reality, seizures can look very different, and many people with epilepsy live completely normal lives. Because seizures don’t always happen in public, the condition stays invisible until something goes wrong, and that fuels confusion and stigma.
There’s also a lack of open conversation. Families often hide the diagnosis out of fear of judgment, especially when it comes to school, jobs, or marriage. This silence keeps awareness low and misinformation high. On top of that, many people don’t know that epilepsy is treatable. Most patients respond well to medicines, and even when they don’t, options like surgery exist.
To clear confusion on epilepsy, Dr. Aditya Gupta, Director - Neurosurgery, Artemis Hospital Gurugram spoke to TOI Health on what epilepsy and why it is misunderstood.

A neurological disorder, epilepsy, is best described as a neurological disorder. The terminology used to describe epilepsy is important, as it shapes public perception of epilepsy. Terms such as mental illness or incorrect language increases stigma and misunderstanding of epilepsy. Correct terminology allows people to view the causes of epilepsy as brain-related medical maladies so that there will be empathy towards someone with epilepsy, faster access to medical help for people suffering from seizures, and better social interaction with people suffering from epilepsy.

In addition to being a neurological disorder, epilepsy is also not classified as a mental illness. Epilepsy develops due to the occurrence of an abnormal electrical discharge in the brain rather than through having a psychiatric diagnosis or being emotionally disturbed. There is much misinformation regarding epilepsy due to outdated beliefs, the general public has little knowledge of epilepsy, and seizures are frequently exhibited in public. Seizures are wrongly perceived to be an inability to control one's mind or to exhibit psychological disorders.

There are numerous factors that can contribute to someone developing epilepsy; commonly the reason why someone developed epilepsy is not known. Some of the potential factors could include; genetics, history of head injuries, infection, stroke, brain tumors, or complications during the birthing process. Regardless of the specific reason behind having epilepsy all individuals will have something in common; they experience unprovoked repetitive seizures due to abnormal electrical activity occurring within the brain.

Seizures can have various presentations. Not all individuals will have a seizure by shaking and falling to the ground. Other types of seizures will present with less obvious features such as brief periods of staring, confusion, lip smacking and/or temporarily being unaware of your surroundings. Despite these seizures being less obvious than the first type, they are often misinterpreted and/or not recognized as seizure activity which delays appropriate diagnosis and/or treatment for the individual.

Though epilepsy is often a long term medical condition to live with, the majority of individuals who suffer from epilepsy can successfully manage it through: medication, lifestyle changes or occasionally (in certain situations) through surgery. Some individuals, especially young children, may actually outgrow the condition. Individuals with epilepsy are often able to lead an active and independent life when given the appropriate resources and supports.